Apparatus for processing photographic sheet material and the like

ABSTRACT

An apparatus for processing photographic sheet material, such as photographic prints or film, particularly in connection with developing and printing operations. The apparatus includes a container for holding a body of water whose temperature is to be controlled, and supply and discharge conduit means both communicate with this container for respectively supplying water thereto and for discharging water therefrom. The supply conduit means is connected with any cold water. A heating means is located in the container for heating the water therein, and one of the conduit means carries a solenoid valve. A temperaturesensing means communicates with the interior of the container for sensing the temperature therein to open the solenoid valve to supply cold tap water when the temperature of the water in the container rises above a given value and for energizing the heating means when the temperature of the water in the container falls below a given value.

United States Patent [72] Inventor James A. Slavin p 365 W. End Ave.,New York, N.Y. 10024 [2: Appl. No. 736,148 [22] Filed June 11, 1968 [45Patented Feb-23, 1971 [54] APPARATUS FOR PROCESSING PHOTOGRAPIIIC SHEETMATERIAL AND TI IE LIKE 15 Claims, 11 Drawing Figs. [52 0.8. 165/26,

165/48 [51] Int. fl F25!) 29/00 [50] Field of Search 165/26, 64, '1 48,109

[56] References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 1, 72,834 8/1930 Hopkins165/26 2,623,449 12/1952 Losee 165/64 2,645,461 7/ 1953 Brown et al165/26 7/1967 Wein Primary Examiner-Charles Sukalo Attorney-Nolte andN'olte ABSTRACT: An apparatus for processing photographic sheetmaterial, such as photographic prints or film, particularly inconnection with developing and printingoperations. The apparatusincludes a container for holding a body of water whose temperature is tobe controlled, and supply and discharge conduit means both communicatewith this container for respectively supplying water thereto and fordischarging water therefrom. The supply conduit means is connected withany cold water. A heating means is located in the container for heatingthe water therein, and one of the conduit means carries a solenoidvalve. A temperature-sensing means communicates with the interior of thecontainer for sensing the temperature therein to open the solenoid valveto supply cold tap water when the temperature of the water in thecontainer rises above a given value and for energizing the heating meanswhen the temperature of the water in the container falls below a givenvalue.

PATENIEnrEazalsn Ell 565,165

- sum 3 or 3 INVENTOR z/A'MfS 4 .52440 ATTORNEYS 1 1. I BY 1. APPARATUSson rnocsssmo PrrorocRAPruc sassr MATERIAL AND THELIKE BACKGROUND OF THEINVENTION space for these operations. Further difficulties areencountered in the requirement of temperature control for the developingand printing solutions. This latter consideration is particularlycritical in the processing of color film, prints, and slides. In thiscase the temperature must be maintained within half a degree of arequired temperature, if successful results are to be achieved. However,in the processing of black and white film and prints it is alsorequiredto have exacttemperature control in order to achieve optimumresults. I

, While there are known temperature" controls for water baths whichsurround the processing solutions, these known controls are not suitablefor home use .or forv use in situations where only small space isavailable. Thus, it is known to provide a mixer connected to supplies ofhot and cold water to cause a continuous flow of water at a regulatedtemperature ,intoa constantly overflowing container. In addition, thereis known structure according to which cold water continuously flowinginto a container is heated in a' controlled manner as it flows into thecontainer. A third solution which has previously been used requires theheating and cooling of a refrigerating medium. All of these knownstructures incorporate the use of a thermostat as part of the controlstructure. ,7

The latter solutions to the problems are not satisfactory :because onthe one hand they are all relatively expensive and on the other handthey are impractical for the home darkroom which usually is situated ina kitchen or bathroom and therefore must be set up for use and takendown when not used. The use of a mixer to provide a controlled mixtureof cold and warm water is not suitablebecause it involves the permanentinstallation of a costly mixing apparatus, with the plumbing permanentlyprovided with such'a construction. The heating of continuously flowingcold water is also expensive and requires a permanent installation. Inaddition, it has the disadvantage of no provision for cooling thesesolutions, if, as quite often happens, they become too warm, The thirdsolution according to which a refrigerant is used, is also extremelyexpensive. The refrigeration equipment is heavy and cannot be movedabout easily, if at all.

I Thus, the situation is that the amateur photographer, who wishes tocarry out operations of the above type in the home,

SUMMARY or THE INVENTION It is accordingly a primary object of theiirvention to provide an apparatus which will avoid all of the abovedrawbacks.

Thus, it is an object of the invention to provide an apparatus which canbe used in extremely cramped quarters without any difficulty. 1

The objects of the present invention include the provision of acollapsible apparatus which canbe very efiiciently laid out to achieve acomfortable working area in cramped quarters.

In addition, it is an object of the invention to provide a structure ofthe above type capable of achieving an extremely efficient temperaturecontrol with a construction which is far simpler and far less expensivethan structures heretofore used for this purpose.

Also, it is an object of the invention to conservewater.

In addition, it is an object of the invention to provide a structure of.this type which, when collapsed into its position of .nonuse, caneasily be stored away in an extremely small space.

, In accordance with the invention, temperature control is achieved byway of a container for containing a body of water whose temperature isto be controlled, this container communicating through a supply conduitmeans with a cold water tap such as'that available in any household atany sink or tub. A

discharge conduit means also communicates with thecontemperature-sensing means is op'eratively connected on the as well asthe professional photographer, who operates on a relatively small scale,do not have available an apparatus which will make it possible to carryout the developing and printing operations. In the cramped quarters usedby many space available for the efficient arrangement of the trays,tanks, wash basins, enlargers, etc. In addition, there isthe problem ofwhere to store the equipment when it is not used. As is well known, manyapartmentshave extremely small kitchens and bathrooms, so thatexceedingly difficult problems are encountered in connection withdeveloping and printing operations under such conditions.

It is apparent that problems arise because of excessive use of water inphotographic processing as well as in other nonphotographic processeswhere temperature controls are applied. In this respect theinvention-isapplicable to save water in photographic processing as well as in othersimilar processes.

photographers, amateur as well as professional, there is little one handwith the solenoid valve and on the other hand with the electric heaterfor energizing-the latter when the water falls below a giveritemperature and for opening the valve when the water temperature risesabove a given value.

When'the valve is'connected to a discharge conduit, the interior of thecontainer communicates directly with the cold 'water tap through thesupply conduit, so'that upon opening of the valve water will dischargefrom the container permitting fresh cold water to enter into thecontainer. This latter type of construction is particularly suitable foruse with a washing tank which will receive water from the dischargeconduit each BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF ISRAWINGS The inventionis illustratedby way of example in the accompanying drawings which form part of thisapplication and in which:

FIG. 1 is a top plan view of an apparatus according to the inventionshown in. its position of use;

FIG. 2 is a front elevation of the structure of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 shows the structure of FIGS. 1 and 2 in its collapsed condition;

FIG. 4 is a transverse sectional elevation of the structure of FIG. 1taken along Iine-4-4 of FIG. 1 in the direction of the arrows;

FIG. 5 is a sectional elevation of the structure of FIG. 1 taken alongline 5-5 ,of FIG. 1 in the direction of the arrows;

FIG. 6 is a sectional elevation of the structure of FIG. 1 taken alongline 6-6 of FIG. 1 in the direction of the arrows;

FIG. 7 is a sectional elevation of a closed container of the inventionand is taken along line-7-7 of FIG. 6 in the direction of the arrows;

FIG. 8 is a fragmentary illustration of part of the supply con.- duitmeans;

FIG. 9 is a diagrammatic illustration of the conduit and containerconnections;

FIG. 10 is a schematic illustration of the electrical structure; and

FIG. 1 l is a wiring diagram.

DESCRIPTION OF A PREFERRED EMBODIMENT Referring now to FIGS. 1-3, thecollapsible apparatus of the invention, shown in its collapsedcondition'in FIG. 3, includes a pair of rectangular or square sections22 and 24 and an extension 26. The sections 22 and 24 have adjoiningsides 28 and 30 interconnected by a hinge 32 (FIGS. 5 and 6), so thatthe section 24 may be placed in the position of FIG. 3 overlaying thesection 22 or it may be placed in the position of FIG. 1 where thesections 22 and 24 are located beside each other. The extension 26 ishinged to a side 34 of the section 22, as by a hinge assembly 36 (FIG4), and thus the extension 26 when not used can be swung to overlie thesection 22 before the section 24 is turned into its position overlyingthe section 22.

It will be noted particularly from FIG. 3 that the left region of thesection 22, as viewed in FIG. 3, is suitably recessed to accommodate theextension 26 in such away that the upper surface of the latter, in itscollapsed position, is flush with the remaining upper surface of thesection 22 so as to be situated between sections 22 and 24 in the mannershown in FIG. 3. The structure can be maintained in its collapsedposition shown in FIG. 3 through any releasable lock structure, and anysuitable handles may be provided to carry the collapsed structure about.

The section 22 has a wall 38 which extends horizontally when thestructure is in its position of use, with an endless sidewall dependingfrom the wall 38 and having the portions 28 and 34 referred to above. Inthe same way the section 24 has a horizontal wall 40 situated beside thewall 38 at the same elevation as the latter when the structure is in itis position of use. Also, the extension 26 will extend horizontally whenin its position of use.

The extension 26 as well as the walls 38 and 40 of the sections 22 and24 are provided at their undersides with suitable fittings 42 in theform of internally threaded rings, for example, for receiving the topthreaded ends of removable legs 44 which thus can be provided to supportthe structure, in its position of use, at a desired elevation which maybe approximately waist-high, for example. These fittings may bearranged, as shown at the lower right corner of section 24 of FIG. 1, atcertain locations in close proximity to each other so that the locationof the removable legs can be selected in accordance with thecharacteristics of the area where the structure is set up. A similarseries of fittings 42 are shown at the lower left portion of the section22 in FIG. 1. The legs are removed and situated in any suitable holderto be stored beside the collapsed structure shown in FIG. 3. Preferably,however, the legs may be stored aside the walls of the apparatus beneaththe walls 38, 40via clips as indicated for instance in FIGS. 4 and 5only.

On the extension 26 it is possible to situate an enlarger 44, as shownin dot-dash lines in FIG. 2. Tile section 24 can removably carry in ahollow tube 46, having a closed bottom and an open top, a standard whichmay support a safe-light, for example. The underside of the extension 26is adapted to removably receive a holder 48 in the form of a suitabledrawer structure or the like to contain printing paper or otherlightsensitive sheet material. This holder 48 is'provided at its topedge with the L-shaped extensions 50, shown in FIG. 4, so that theseextensions can be slipped into correspondingly shaped grooves formed inthe extension 26 in the manner shown in FIG. 4. In this way the printingpaper, for example, is readily available at the region of the enlargerto be exposed thereby.

It will be noted that the sections 22 and 24 are respectively providedwith endless peripheral lips or flanges 52 and 54, shown in FIG. 5, sothat in this way liquid droplets or the like on the walls 38 and 40 willbe retained and will not drop to the floor, for example. Also anyobjects on these walls will be retained thereon. I

The wall 40 has, as shown at the upper right portion of FIG. I, aconsiderable free working area for the convenience of the operator. Nextto this working area there is a tray-receiving region where the wall, 40is formed with a pair of openings 56 and 58 for receiving a pair oftrays. v

The wall 38 is also formed, in line with the openings 56 and 58, with apair of tray-receiving openings 60 and 62. In addi- I tion, the wall 38has permanently connected thereto, as by being formed integrallytherewith, a washing tank 64.

The processing trays to be mounted in the openings 56, 58, 60 and 62 arenot illustrated, except in FIG. 4 where a processing tray 66 isindicated in dot-dash lines situated within the opening 60. Theseprocessing trays are well known in the art. They have at their upperperipheries outwardly directed flanges adapted to extend beyond thetray-receiving openings onto the top surface of the walls 38 and 40 soas to rest on and be carried thereby.

The wall 38 fixedly carries, as shown particularly in FIGS. 4 and 5, acontainer 68 which may be formed integrally with the wall 38 and whichhas an endless sidewall 70 situated beyond the pair of openings 60 and62, so that the bottom wall of the container 68 extends beneath the wall38 and beyond the openings 60 and 62 thereof. In this way trays mountedwithin the openings 60 and 62 will extend into the interior of thecontainer 68, as is particularly apparent from FIG. 4.

The wall 40 integrally carries the container 72 which has with respectto the wall 40 the same relationship that the container 68 has withrespect to the wall 38. Thus, the openings 56 and 58 are situated overthe bottom wall of the container 72 with the sidewall of the latterbeing situated beyond the openings 56 and 58.

The top wall 38 is formed with a plurality of slots 74 distributed abouteach of the openings 60 and 62, and the top wall 40 is formed with aplurality of slots 76 distributed about the openings 56 and 58, in amanner which is particularly apparent from FIG. 1. These slots 74 and 76of the walls 38 and 40, respectively, may have upwardly directed lipsextending upwardly from the upper surfaces of the walls 38 and 40, as isparticularly apparent from FIGS. 4 and 5. It is to be noted that theslots 74 and 76 are respectively situated over the bottom walls of thecontainers 68 and 72.

All of the walls of the sections 22 and 24, and the containers carriedthereby, may be made of any suitable metal or plastic. The exteriorsurfaces of the containers 68 and 72 may be provided with insulation 78,as is fragmentarily illustrated in FIG. 5

A pair of electric heating elements 80, in the form of well knownimmersion heaters, are respectively situated in the containers 68 and72. FIG. 5 shows the heating means 80 which is situated within thecontainer 68.

Also, the sidewall 70 of the container 68 carries at its exterior amotor which drives a shaft extending through the wall 70 into theinterior thereof, and this shaft carries in the interior of thecontainer 68 a rotary impeller or agitator 82 in the form of a suitablescrew blade or the like. Upon rotation of the agitator 82, by the motorcarried by the sidewall 70 at the exterior of container 68, liquidwithin the container 68 will be circulated and agitated to promotemaintenance of a constant temperature in this liquid. The bottom wall ofthe container 68 is provided with a drain opening 84 communicating withan outlet tube 86 which can be opened and closed whenever desired by amanually operable valve 88. In the same way the container 72 is providedwith a rotary impeller or agitator and also has a drain opening whichcan be opened and closed. The wiring for connecting each of theimmersion heaters 80 into an electrical circuit can extend in any knownway fluid-tightly through the sidewall of the container such as throughthe sidewall 70 of the container 68 shown in FIG. 5. The same connectionwill be provided for the container 72.

valve 100.

vided for the container 72.

This temperature-sensing means is adjustable in a well known manner sothat it can be set to respond to an upper temperature for bringing aboutcooling of the water within the container 68, in a manner described ingreater detail below,

and to a lower temperature for bringing about heating of this water,also in a manner described in greater detail below.

The container 68 is formed with an inlet opening 92 through which liquidenters into the container 68, this opening being situated at the lowerright region of the container 68, as viewed in FIG. 5, and the container68 has a discharge or overflow opening 94 situated at the region of theupper edge of the wall 70, as is indicated in FIG. 4. In the same waythe container 72 is provided with inlet and outlet openings;

The washing tank 64 is provided at the upper surface of its bottom wallwith curved ribs 96 to enhance the circulation and agitation of watertherein. Tank 64 is also provided with a drain opening 98 capable ofbeing An additional container 102 is fixed to the underside of the wall38 by any suitable screws or the like. Container 102 forms a reservoirfor liquid which is deliveredito washing'tank 64. As is indicated inFIG. 7, the container 102 is provided at its lower interior portion witha heating means in the form of an immersion heater 104 which can beelectrically energized.

As may be seen from FIG. 8, the connector 122, which connects theconduit 120 to the branches 124, 126 and 128, includes a relativelylarge tubular portion 138 having a branch 140 connected by a suitablefitting with the branch 124, while a pair of smaller-diameter portions142 respectively communicate throughsuitable fittings with branches 126and 128. It will be noted that as a result of this arrangement theinterior of the container 102 is maintained at the full pressure of theconduit 120 which is connected with the fully-open cold-water tap, whilethe smaller diameter branches 142 will provide a lesser pressure in thebranches 126 and 128 respectively. If desired, suitable throttlingdevices, in the form of transverse apertured plates or the like, may besituated in the path of liquid flow in the branches 126 and 128 tofurther reduce the pressure and provide a gentle supply of water to thecontainers 68 and 72 when the solenoid valves I32 and 134 open,respectively.

As is schematically indicated in FIG. 10, all of the electricalstructure is connected electrically with a common bus bar 144 situatedat any suitable location and connected to a source of current through acord 148 terminating in a pronged plug to be received in any walloutlet. The rotary impellers or agitaopened and closed by a Adjacent itstop end container 102 carries a temperature sensing means 106 in theform of a suitable thermostat or thermocouple. Adjacent its top 'end, atits wall which is directed toward the tank64, container 102 is providedwith an outlet opening 108 communicating with conduit 130 throughsolenoid 136. Container 102 is provided with a drain 109 capable ofbeing opened and closed by valve 109. The inlet opening for water whichenters the container 102 is not visible in FIG. 7 but is shown in FIG. 6where the inlet opening 110 is indicated at the lower right part of thecontainer 102. Elements 112 indicate in FIG. 6 locations whereelectrical conductors tainers described above. Thus, the upper outlet oroverflow openings of the containers 68 and 72 communicate with a pair ofdischarge conduit means 116 whichextend to any suitable drain or thelike, and in thesame way an upper outlet opening 118 (FIG. 4) of thewashing tank 64 communicates with a discharge conduit 118 leading to anysuitable drain.

The supply conduit means includes a conduit 120 shbwn schematically inFIG. 9, this conduit 120 being adapted to be connected in any known wayto a cold water tap. Through a connecting assembly 122, shown in detailin FIG. 8, the supply conduit 120 communicates with branches 124, 126and 128 of the supply conduit means. The branch 124 communicates withthe inlet 110 of the container102, and this container 102 communicatesat an upper region with a discharge conduit means 130 leading to a lowerinlet of the tank 64, as shown also in FIG. 6. The branches 126 and 128of the conduit means respectively lead to the lower inlet openings ofthe containers 68 and 72. The branches 126 and 128 are provided withsolenoid valves 132 and 134, respectively, while the discharge conduitmeans 130 is provided with a solenoid valve 136, operable for openingand closing the conduit means 130.

tors 82 for the containers 68 and 72 are directly connected to thesource of current so that they continuously operate as long as thestructure is turned on. The manner in which the immersion heaters 80,thermostats 90, and solenoid valves 132 and 134 are connected to the busbar is schematically indicated in FIG. 10. Also, FIG. 10 shows how theagitator 114, immersion heater 104, thermostat 106 and solenoid valve136 associated with the container 102 are connected into the circuit.The safe light assembly in supporting tube 46 is also connected into thecircuit through the common bus barl44 in the manner shown in FIG, 10. Anadditional receptacle 150 can be connected to the bus bar, as shown inFIG. 10, so that structures such as the enlarger, a timer, or the like,can also be connected into the circuit.

As is schematically indicated in the wiring diagram of FIG. 11, theentire stru'cturecan be turned on and off by way of a master switch 152.This will result in the continuous operation of the agitators 82 shownin FIG. 11. As is also shown in the wiring diagram of FIG. 11, wheneither of the adjustable thermostats 90, which may as previously notedbe adjustable, senses a temperature below a given value the immersionheaters will respectively be connected into the circuit, while whenthese thermostats sense a temperature rise above agiven value, thesolenoid valves 132 and 134 will be connected into the circuit to openthe supply conduit means and deliver additional cold liquid to thecontainers 68 and 72.

The electrical interconnection of the components associated with thecontainer 102 are different, however. It will be noted from FIG. 11 thatthe adjustable thermostat 106 when sensing a temperature below a giventemperature energizes the immersion heater 104 and the'impeller oragitator 114 so that in this case the liquid in the container 102 isalways heated and agitated until a given temperature is reached.

' When this latter temperature is sensed by the thermostat 106 it willopen the circuits of the heating means 104 and agitator 1 14 and willclose the circuit of the solenoid valve 136 so as to open the dischargeconduit and enable water to be supplied into the washing tank 64. Whenthe thermostat 106 senses that the temperature has fallen below a givenvalue it will again return to the position shown in FIG. 11 where thevalve 136 closes and the impeller I14 and heater 104 operate. Thus, atthe closed container 102 the impeller does not operate when liquid issupplied to the washing tank, while when liquid is not supplied to thewashing tank 64 the impeller operates and the heater 104 is energized.

TI-Ie manner in which the above-described structure operates is believedto be clear. The operator will set the structure up from the collapsedposition of FIG. 3 into the operating position shown in FIGS. 1 and 2,and if desired any suitable removable brace assemblies 154 can beprovided between the sections 22 and 24 to maintain them rigidly intheir setup condition. The drain openings of the containers 68, 72 and64 will be closed and the supply conduit means 120 will be connected toa cold water tap. Now the operator will manually close switches 156indicated in FIG. 11, which bypass the thermostat-actuated switches ofthe solenoid valves, so that by manually closing the switches 156 thesolenoid valves can all be opened and maintained manually open until theseveral containers are all filled with cold water from the tap. Ofcourse, the master switch 152 has previously been closed in order tohave the entire structure turned on. Now the operator can place theseveral trays into the tray-receiving openings and locate suitablesolutions in these trays. The filling of the containers 68 and 72 aswell as the container 102 and the tank 64 is continued until liquidoverflows through the discharge conduits 116 and 118.

It is to be noted that in the water in containers 68 and 72 there is anextremely faithful reproduction of the conditions encountered at thesolutions in the trays. The reason for this is that on the one hand theseveral slots 74 and 76 expose the top surfaces of the bodies of waterwithin the container 68 and 72 to the same ambient atmosphere as that towhich the chemicals in the trays are exposed, and also when thelight-sensitive sheet material is situated in these trays this materialis customarily agitated so the the treating liquid in the trays isagitated while the water in the containers 68 and 72 is also agitated.Therefore, the water in the containers 68 and 72 will respond to thesame temperature influences as the treating solutions themselves, andthe fluctuations in the temperature of these solutions will match to anextremely close degree fluctuations in the temperature of the water inthe containers 68 and 72. This water is continuously agitated as long asthe apparatus is turned on.

When the thermostats 90 sense that the temperature has fallen below agiven value, the immersion heaters 80 are energized to raise thetemperature of the water and thus raise the temperature of the treatingsolutions. On the other hand, when the temperature of the treatingsolutions and thus of the water in the containers 68 and 72 rises abovea given value the thermostats 90 will automatically open the valves 132and 134 so as to introduce cold water directly from the tap into thecontainers 68 and 72. Excess water simply overflows through the outletopenings and discharge conduit means 116. In this way it is possible tomaintain, through this exceedingly simple structure, a temperature forthe treating solutions which does not fluctuate more than one-half adegree from the required temperature.

In the washing tank 64, however, since the interior of the container 102is constantly in communication with and at the full pressure of the coldwater tap, there will be a surge of liquid from the container 102 intothe tank 64 whenever the solenoid valve 136 of the discharge conduitmeans 130 opens. When the valve 136 is closed the heater 104 isenergized and the impeller 114 operates, so that the cold water whichreaches the lower region of the container 102 becomes heated and risesto engage the temperature-sensing means 106 at the upper part of thecontainer 102. When this temperaturesensing means senses that apredetermined temperature has been reached, the heating means 104 andagitating means 114 become unenergized and the solenoid valve 136 opens.

The result is that the cold water enters into the lower region of thecontainer 102 and pushes the warmer water out of the latter into thetank 64 through the discharge conduit means 130. This rush of liquidinto the washing tank 64 will continue until the cold water reaches thethermostat 106 to permit the latter to sense the lower temperature andthus close the valve 136 and again energize the heater 104 and operatethe impeller 114. In this way the liquid in the reservoir or container102 is heated and then discharged to the tank 64 after a new batch ofcold water is received, so that there is a periodic discharge of warmwater at the required temperature from the container 102 to the washingtank. The excess water of course flows out of the latter through thedischarge conduit 118. This periodic supply to the tank 64 maintains inthe latter water sufiiciently fresh and changing frequently enough tocarry out the required washing actions, while the ribs 96 contribute tothe agitation of the washing liquid.

It will be noted with the above-described structure of the inventionthere is an economy with respect to the consumption of water inasmuch asthere is no continuous overflow. At the containers 68 and 72 the amountof water consumed will only be that amount which will enter into thetanks from time to time in order to keep the temperature of the waterbelow a given value, while with the washing tank 64 the periodic supplyof liquid provides a far more economical use of the washing water thanis the case where there is a continuous inlet and overflow of thewashing liquid.

When it is desired to take the apparatus back down again to its compact,collapsed condition shown in FIG. 3, the master switch is opened, thedrain valves are opened, the braces 154 are removed, and the enlarger 44is removed. The safe light assembly in tube 46 can also be removed. Thelegs can be removed, and after the extension 26 is folded onto thesection 22, section 24 can be folded over the extension 26 and thesection 22 so that the parts again will have the position indicated inFIG. 3. The various units can be accommodated in a most convenientmanner. A suitable holder may be provided for the legs. The holder 48for the paper, which is situated beneath the extension 26 when thelatter is used, can easily be accommodated in the interior of thewashing tank 64. If the enlarger 44 is small enough it can be placed inone of the containers 68 or 72, and of course the safe light assemblycan be located also in one of the containers 68 or 72. In this way anexceedingly compact assembly is provided. All that the operator need dowith respect to plumbing is to disconnect the supply conduit means fromthe cold water tap, and the structure can easily be stored away in anextremely small space.

While the sections 22 and 24 can have any desired size, in an actualconstruction the walls 38 and 40 thereof each are 30inches long and27inches wide while the endless depending sidewalls of the sections 22and 24 each have a width in the vertical direction of approximately 7inches. Therefore, when the structure has the collapsed condition shownin FIG. 3 it will have the configuration of a portable case which is 30X27 X14 inches.

As was indicated above, the thermostats can be set to maintain the watertemperature to within one-half a degree of a desired temperature.Moreover, it is equally as preferable that the thermostats may besituated at the exterior of the containers with only atemperature-sensing element thereof situated in the interior of thecontainers.

It is also clear that all of the necessary plumbing and electricalcircuitry are included in the collapsible structure itself, so thatpermanent modifications in plumbing or electrical systems need not beprovided for the structure of the invention. Also the legs may beadjustable to locate the structure at any desired height and in almostany restricted area. Thus, the relatively inexpensive structure of theinvention can be used by amateur and professional photographers toachieve results which heretofore could be achieved only by far moreexpensive structures.

It can be appreciated that the invention may also be applicable in usesother than the photographic arts where excessive water consumption andtemperature controls are factors.

I claim:

1. For use in the processing of photographic sheet and roll material andthe like, a first container for holding a body of water whosetemperature is to be controlled, a first electric heating means in saidfirst container for heating water therein, first supply conduit meanscommunicating with said first container and adapted to be connected witha cold-water tap for supplying cold water to said container, a firstdischarge conduit means communicating with said first container fordischarging water therefrom, a first solenoid valve means operativelyconnected with one of said conduit means for opening and closing thelatter to introduce cold water into said first container when said valvemeans is open and to terminate the flow of cold water into said firstcontainer when said valve means is closed, and first temperature-sensingmeans communicating with the water in the interior of the container forsensing the temperature of water therein, said first temperature-sensingmeans being operatively connected with said first heating means and withsaid valve means for automatically energizing said first heating meanswhen the temperature of the water falls below a given value and forautomatically opening said first valve means to introduce cold tap waterinto said container when the temperature of the water therein risesabove a given value, and a second container, a second supply conduitmeans in parallel with said first supply conduit means connecting saidcold water tap to said second container whereby the latter is inconstant communication with said cold water tap, a second heating meansfor heating the water in said second container, a secondtemperature-sensing means mounted adjacent to the top of said secondcontainer, a washing tank, a pipe connecting said second container andwashing tank, a second solenoid valve means in said pipe whereby whensaid valve is closed said second heating means heats the water in saidsecond container until said second temperaturesensing means opens saidsecond solenoid valve to admit heated water to said washing tank.

2. The combination of claim 1 and wherein said first valve means isoperatively connected with said first supply conduit means, while saiddischarge conduit means is in the form of an overflow conduit throughwhich excess liquid can discharge from said first container.

3. The combination of claim 1 wherein said second valve means is carriedby said pipe to prevent How of water out of said second container whensaid second valve means is closed.

4. The combination of claim 3 wherein a washing tank receives waterthrough said pipe whenever said second valve means opens, said tankbeing periodically supplied with water from said second container inresponse to temperature fluctuations of the water in said secondcontainer.

5. The combination of claim 4 and wherein said second supply conduitmeans communicates with a lower portion of said container while saidpipe communicates with an upper portion thereof, said second heatingmeans being located at a lower portion of said second container and saidsecond temperature-sensing means being located at an upper portion ofsaid second container, so that cold water flowing into said 7. Thecombination of claim 2 and wherein said first container has bottom andsidewalls and a top wall extending only over part of said bottom walland defining an opening for supporting a tray which extends into thewater in said t'ust container.

8. The combination of claim 7. and wherein said top wall is formedbeyond said opening thereof with additional openings providing access ofthe ambient atmosphere to water in said first container so that thewater in said first container will be subjected to the same influence aswater in the tray.

9. The combination of claim 1 and wherein a collapsible support meanscarries said containers.

10. The combination of claim 9 and wherein said collapsible supportmeans includes an extension for supporting an em larger.

11. The combination of claim 10. and wherein said collapsible supportmeans includes a pair of sections adapted to be collapsed into overlyingrelationship with respect to each other with said extension situationtherebetween, one of said containers being carried by at least one ofsaid sections, and said support means when in an operating positionhaving said sections located beside each other and said extensionextending beyond said one of said sections.

12. The combination of claim 11 and wherein said sections when in theiroperating position provide a working area convenient to said containerand said extension where said enlar er is located.

3. The combinatron of claim 12 and wherein when said support means is inits collapsed condition, after removal of the legs from the underside ofsaid sections.

14. The combination of claim 1 further comprising an electrical circuitand wherein said first temperature-sensing means is a thermostat andwherein said first valve means is a solenoid valve operatively connectedto said thermostat whereby when said thermostat senses a temperaturerise above a predeterintroduce cold water into said container.

UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE CERTIFICATE OF CORRECTION Patent No.3,565,165 Dated February 23, 1971 l n fl TAMFS A smvm It is certifiedthat error appears in the above-identified patent and that said LettersPatent are hereby corrected as shown below:

In claim 13, line 3, after "said sections" insert said sections inoverlying relation with said extension therebetween occupy an area lessthan half the area occupied by said sections and said extension whensaid support means is in its operating position Signed and sealed this16th day of May 1971.

(SEAL) Attest:

EDWARD M.FLE.TCHER,JR. WILLIAM E. SCHUYLER, JR Attesting OfficerCommissioner of Patents FORM P0-1050 (10-69) uscoMM-oc 60376 1 0,5,GOVIMIIENT PRINTING OFFICE I96. 0-"

2. The combination of claim 1 and wherein said first valve means isoperatively connected with said first supply conduit means, while saiddischarge conduit means is in the form of an overflow conduit throughwhich excess liquid can discharge from said first container.
 3. Thecombination of claim 1 wherein said second valve means is carried bysaid pipe to prevent flow of water out of said second container whensaid second valve means is closed.
 4. The combination of claim 3 whereina washing tank receives water through said pipe whenever said secondvalve means opens, said tank being periodically supplied with water fromsaid second container in response to temperature fluctuations of thewater in said second container.
 5. The combination of claim 4 andwherein said second supply conduit means communicates with a lowerportion of said container while said pipe communicates with an upperportion thereof, said second heating means being located at a lowerportion of said second container and said second temperature-sensingmeans being located at an upper portion of said second container, sothat cold water flowing into said second container pushes warm water outof the latter.
 6. The combination of claim 5 and wherein an agitatormeans communicates with the interior of said second container foragitating the water therein.
 7. The combination of claim 2 and whereinsaid first container has bottom and sidewalls and a top wall extendingonly over part of said bottom wall and defining an opening forsupporting a tray which extends into the water in said first container.8. The combination of claim 7 and wherein said top wall is formed beyondsaid opening thereof with additional openings providing access of theambient atmosphere to water in said first container so that the water insaid first container will be subjected to the same influence as water inthe tray.
 9. The combination of claim 1 and wherein a collapsiblesupport means carries said containers.
 10. The combination of claim 9and wherein said collapsible support means includes an extension forsupporting an enlarger.
 11. The combination of claim 10 and wherein saidcollapsible support means includes a pair of sections adapted to becollapsed into overlying relationship with respect to each other withsaid extension situation therebetween, one of said containers beingcarried by at least one of said sections, and said support means when inan operating position having said sections located beside each other andsaid extension extending beyond said one of said sections.
 12. Thecombination of claim 11 and wherein said sections when in theiroperating position provide a working area convenient to said containerand said extension where said enlarger is located.
 13. The combinationof claim 12 and wherein when said support means is in its collapsedcondition, after removal of the legs from the underside of saidsections.
 14. The combination of claim 1 further comprising anelectrical circuit and wherein said first temperature-sensing means is athermostat and wherein said first valve means is a solenoid valveoperatively connected to said thermostat whereby when said thermostatsenses a temperature rise above a predetermined value said solenoidvalve is connected into said circuit in order to open said solenoidvalve to thereby introduce cold water into said container.
 15. Thecombination of claim 1 further comprising an electrical circuit andwherein said first temperature-sensing means is a thermocouple andwherein said first valve means is a solenoid valve operatively connectedto said thermocouple whereby when said thermocouple senses a temperaturerise above a predetermined value said solenoid valve is connected intosaid circuit in order to open said solenoid valve to thereby introducecold water into said container.